term

Universal Words noun, verb noun-see also TERMS 1 [C] a word or phrase used as the name of sth, especially one connected with a particular type of language: technical / legal / scientific terms * a term of abuse * 'Register' is the term commonly used to describe different levels of formality in language. 2 (AmE also trimester) [C,U] (especially in Britain) one of the three periods in the year during which classes are held in schools, universities, etc: the spring / summer / autumn / fall term * (BrE) It's nearly the end of term. * (AmE) the end of the term * during term (time) seealsoSEMESTER, TERMLY, TERM-TIME 3 [C] a period of time for which sth lasts; a fixed or limited time: during the president's first term of / in office * He faces a maximum prison / jail term of 25 years. * a long term of imprisonment * The term of agreement can be for either two or three years. 4 [sing.] (formal) the end of a particular period of time, especially one for which an agreement, etc. lasts: His life had reached its natural term. * This view of the economy is approaching its term (= it will soon be old-fashioned) * (medical) The pregnancy went to full term (= lasted the normal length of time). 5 [C] (mathematics) each of the various parts in a series, an EQUATION etc. IDIOMS in the long / short / medium term used to describe what will happen a long, short, etc. time in the future: Such a development seems unlikely, at least in the short term (= it will not happen for quite a long time). * In the longer term, children of depressed mothers are more likely to suffer from childhood depression. seealsoLONG-TERM, MEDIUM-TERM, SHORT-TERM verb [oftenpassive] (formal) to use a particular name or word to describe sb/sth: [VN-N] At his age, he can hardly be termed a young man. * REM sleep is termed 'active' sleep. [also VN-ADJ]